Subjugating the 7th Lower Demon[5]

The oppressive weight of the chamber began to lift. Where once shadows writhed like living creatures, they now receded, curling away like smoke on a dying fire. The only sound was the scrape of Dravokh's claws against stone as the once-mighty demon crawled, his towering arrogance reduced to desperate movements.

Adrian Falter stood still, his chest rising and falling with slow, measured breaths. His sword hung in his grip, the blade slick with dark ichor. He should have felt triumphant, but instead, all he could do was watch.

Dravokh, the Seventh Seat of the Lower Demons, the monster who had terrorized entire regions, was now a broken husk. The demon's heavy breaths filled the silence, the sound more like gurgling death than life.

"You… wretched… human…" Dravokh rasped, his deep voice fractured and trembling. Crimson eyes, once filled with malice and superiority, flickered weakly as they glared at Adrian. His pride refused to die with him.

Adrian took a step forward, his boots echoing through the vast chamber. The sound alone made Dravokh pause.

"You don't get to crawl away from this," Adrian said, his tone steady but cold. "Not after everything."

Dravokh's massive form trembled as he tried to pull himself toward the shadows at the chamber's edge. His broken armor scraped across the floor, leaving trails of black ichor. The desperation in his movements was pitiful—his body betrayed him even as his mind refused to accept defeat.

"Run… while you can," Dravokh snarled, though his voice lacked its usual power. "My kind… will burn this world to ash… and you will die knowing… it was for nothing."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "Empty threats from a dying demon."

"You think you've won?" Dravokh spat. "Killing me… changes nothing."

Adrian's gaze darkened, the weariness of the fight settling into his bones. He didn't care for the demon's words—not anymore. This wasn't about gloating or revenge. It was about stopping him. For good.

Adrian lifted his sword, its edge gleaming faintly under the dying light of the torches. His fingers curled tightly around the hilt, and he stepped toward Dravokh, closing the distance with slow, deliberate strides.

The demon's growl faded into a wet, ragged breath. His massive body sagged, unable to move any farther. For the first time, there was something else in his crimson eyes—fear.

"You don't get to escape," Adrian said quietly. His voice was steady, not angry, but resolute. "Not after everything you've done. The lives you've taken. The suffering you caused. This ends here."

Dravokh sneered, though the expression trembled at the edges. "You… are a fool… if you think this world will thank you. You are nothing."

Adrian shook his head, his sword rising. "Maybe. But even nothing can stop a monster like you."

With one final push of strength, Dravokh growled and lifted a claw to strike. It was weak, feeble—a desperate lash at fate itself.

Adrian didn't flinch. He plunged his sword downward, piercing through Dravokh's skull.

The demon's body spasmed, a guttural roar escaping his throat. Black ichor erupted like poison, splattering across the floor, and then… silence.

The chamber fell still.

Adrian let out a slow breath, pulling his blade free. Dravokh's massive body slumped to the ground, lifeless at last. The once-terrifying aura that had loomed over them like a storm evaporated, leaving behind only stillness.

From the edge of the chamber, the faint sound of footsteps echoed. Mohan entered first, his gauntleted fists still glowing faintly with energy, followed closely by Lucas, Kiera, Kael, and Seraphina. Their weapons were drawn, their faces tense, but as they took in the sight before them—the massive body of Dravokh, lifeless on the ground—they froze.

"Is he…" Kael started, his voice hesitant.

Adrian glanced back, his shoulders lowering as the weight of the fight finally hit him. "He's dead."

Mohan strode forward, his sharp gaze assessing the situation. He paused beside Adrian, glancing down at Dravokh's corpse. "You did it," Mohan said softly, his voice a mix of pride and relief. "The Seventh Demon is no more."

Lucas let out a low whistle as he approached, his twin blades lowered. "I didn't think it was possible, but you pulled it off. You actually took him down."

Seraphina stepped forward, her staff glowing faintly as she cast a quick healing spell over Adrian. "You're hurt," she said, concern lining her voice.

Adrian shook his head. "I'm fine. Save your strength for the others."

The healer frowned but complied, her soft magic soothing the bruises and burns that littered Adrian's body.

Kiera, the druid, knelt beside Dravokh's body, her sharp eyes flickering across the black ichor that pooled around him. "His corruption… it's dissipating," she murmured. "The land will heal now."

Adrian sheathed his sword, his gaze lingering on Dravokh's body. For all the demon's power and cruelty, this was how it had ended—broken, crawling, and alone.

He couldn't find joy in the victory, only a somber sense of relief. "This is just one demon," Adrian muttered. "There are more out there. Stronger ones. And they won't stop."

Mohan stepped beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You've dealt a heavy blow to their ranks, Adrian. Dravokh was one of the Lower Seven. Without him, the demons will lose ground. This victory matters."

Adrian turned to his mentor, his expression uncertain. "Then why does it feel like it's not enough?"

Mohan's gaze softened. "Because it's not. Not yet. But every battle we win, every demon we take down—it brings us closer to peace."

Adrian nodded slowly, though the weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on him.

"Alright," Mohan called out, his commanding voice cutting through the heavy silence. "We don't have time to waste. Lucas, scout the perimeter and make sure the area's clear. Kael, keep an eye on the horizon—I don't want any surprises."

Lucas smirked, already moving. "On it."

Kael gave a quick nod, stringing his bow as he followed behind.

"Kiera, Seraphina—tend to the wounded. If Dravokh's forces are still around, we'll need everyone at their best," Mohan continued.

The druid and healer moved quickly, already beginning their work.

Mohan turned back to Adrian. "You rest. You've done enough for now."

Adrian shook his head, though exhaustion pulled at him. "I'm fine."

Mohan gave him a look. "You're stubborn. Fine—just don't collapse on me."

Adrian managed the faintest of smiles. "Wouldn't dream of it."

As the team regrouped, the oppressive weight that had filled the chamber began to lift. The torches burned brighter, and the walls no longer seemed to twist with shadows.

But as Adrian stood there, staring at the lifeless body of Dravokh, a lingering unease crept into his thoughts. Dravokh had fought hard to survive, desperate to escape—even in his final moments.

What was he running from?

Adrian shook off the thought, forcing himself to focus. There were more battles ahead, more enemies waiting in the darkness. But for now, Dravokh was dead, and the land would know peace—at least for a while.